THIS SUNDAY!

I'm so excited to prayerfully contend for campus this Sunday. I'm joining CSF campus ministers across Nebraska and South Dakota in praying for college students headed to school this fall.

Would you join me on a prayer walk this Sunday.

RSVP for UNO @2PM

RSVP for IWCC @7PM

hello again Reader,

as always, I pray these updates encourage, inspire, and challenge you as we seek to reach college-age with the good news of Jesus.

from the field:

University of Nebraska Omaha (CSF_Omaha)

CSF @ UNO this fall is planned and we're prepping hurriedly as Welcome Week comes barreling at us like a freight train. Our focus this semester is three-pronged.

• Prayer. Twice a week we'll be on campus praying for and with students.
• Conversation. Every Thursday we'll host "ASK." An environment for students to bring their questions and us to explore a monthly topic pulling from scholarship, literature, and obviously, the Bible.
• Fun. I mean... not hard to explain this one ;)

We've seen a turn over in students due to their life situations (drop-out, moving, etc.) and we're down to 2, but that's more than we started with last year and they're both leaning in to what we're doing on campus. Pray that our welcome week outreach is fruitful in recruiting students!

Iowa Western Community College (CSF_CB)

Despite it being the hottest and most humid day of the year, we had a strong turnout for our first event of the semester (nearly a month before classes start!). We ate home-smoked pulled pork and played yard games. I also laid out the vision and theme for this semester.

Beyond this, I've been full steam ahead on prepping for the semester. Social media graphics, room reservations, and more event planning then my poor brain can handle (shoutout to my wife for helping me with food ideas).

I still need to plan several group games for before out Weekly Bible study. They need to be short and really simple to execute. Have any ideas you'd like to share?

The Ministry Model:

For this fall there will be 4 environments for students to engage with CSF in (with two more coming in a future semester).

These 4 will be hosted on a rotating basis on Sunday evenings.

• Events - These are fun, non-content oriented moments where students will make memories, invite their friends, and build a sense of community.
• Square One - This is an intentional outreach to students who are distant from Jesus or just finding Him for the first time. There will be a nice meal, a talk on topic, and discussion groups around what students think. If you're familiar with Alpha, think that!
• Yums w/ the Ums - A little more low-key will be dinner at Courtney and I's house. It'll be a night of connection, laughter, and good food.
• Prayer Nights - This is for followers of Jesus. It'll be a night of intentional connection with God, each other, and campus. I'm super excited for the ways God will show up in people's lives.

Each Wednesday at 7PM there will be "CSF Weekly." This is more than a Bible Study, but less than a large-group. There will be a short game - you think of any ideas yet? -, an interactive Bible study paired with a short encouragement, and then a time for students to receive prayer.

for you and your prayers.

thank you:

• for your prayers. That is the work. We must continue to contend for God to move. As I spend time listening to people share stories of revival amongst young people across the world, I'm encouraged and worried. I believe God wants to do this, but will we be found praying?
• for your gifts. someone said to me recently "your job is taking students to coffee and ice cream?" and while that's a true perk, it's much more. But I couldn't do it without you. Thank you so much for your generosity towards me so I can do this work.

pray for

• Welcome Week(s). IWCC starts Aug. 18th and UNO the following week. It's going to be insane. So prayers for endurance and fruitful labor.
• Continued favor at Iowa Western and UNO. The job is a lot easier when the campus is behind you and not against you. While neither have been opposed, it's worth praying for because of the moment it provides to the ministry.

What I'm learning:

The Intelligent Organization Finally finished it. Here is a thought I had while reading it: "Growing leadership discernment in your organization comes when teams can try, fail, and fix their mistakes. The stabilizing agent in this process is ownership, consequences, and a culture of growth - transparency, feedback, and education." Amazon Link :)

Building a Culture of Trust Typically he's not my favorite. I just don't like getting yelled at of my own volition. However, he's got great content and this one was especially good. I hope it's helpful for you! Apple Podcasts Link

Have a podcast, book, or otherwise you think I'd find valuable? Send it my way by replying to this email!